Is a Winter Tire Pressure of 2.8 Bar Too High?
2 Answers
A winter tire pressure of 2.8 bar is too high. According to the stipulations and requirements of the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the standard tire pressure for regular tires is 2.4-2.5 bar. In winter, it is appropriate to increase the pressure by about 0.2 bar, but 2.8 bar exceeds the maximum standard tire pressure of 2.7 bar, making it too high. Hazards of excessive tire pressure: The friction and adhesion of the tire will decrease, affecting braking performance; It can cause steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; It accelerates localized wear on the central tread pattern, shortening the tire's lifespan; Increased body vibration indirectly affects the lifespan of other components; Excessive pressure causes overextension and deformation of the tire cords, reducing the elasticity of the tire body and increasing the load on the car during driving; Reduced puncture resistance. When encountering sharp objects like nails or glass on the road, they can easily penetrate the tire, and the impact may cause internal cracks and blowouts, leading to a tire burst.
Having driven for over 20 years, I've noticed that in winter when temperatures drop, tire pressure sometimes decreases slightly, but inflating to 2.8 bar is definitely too high. I made this mistake when I was younger, thinking higher tire pressure in snowy winters would improve traction. Instead, the center of the tires wore out faster, braking was slippery on rainy days, and driving felt as bumpy as sitting on rocks. The standard cold tire pressure is usually marked on the door frame, mostly between 2.2 to 2.5 bar. Low winter temperatures can naturally reduce tire pressure by 0.1 to 0.2 bar, but there's no need to deliberately increase it; just maintain the recommended value. I suggest buying a tire pressure gauge to check in the morning when the car is cold, or visit a repair shop for help if unsure. High tire pressure not only affects safety but also accelerates tire wear, especially making long-distance driving more tiring. Regular checks save both hassle and worry.
